UNESCO Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNESCO has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, communication management, and regional organizational leadership.

Committed to global data integrity, UNESCO advances cross-nationally comparable statistics across education, science, culture, and communication to inform international policy and sustainable development goals.

Leadership Roles at UNESCO

  • Chief Executive Officer - Vimla Devi
  • President, The Communication Management Club - GholamReza Kazemidinan
  • President - Lawrence Anderson
  • President Club Des Jeunes - Desir Lamarre
  • President - Syafiq Sahari
  • President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO - Aelita Kondratova
  • Chief Information Officer - Taha Moustafa
  • Vimla Devi - Chief Executive Officer

    Vimla Devi, the Chief Executive Officer at UNESCO, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. This leadership role involves managing the statistical office to ensure the delivery of high-quality data on education, science, and culture. Vimla Devi oversees the alignment of institutional goals with global development agendas, ensuring that the UN depository maintains its status as the primary source for cross-nationally comparable statistics. By coordinating with international stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer drives the implementation of data-driven frameworks that support informed decision-making across member states. The Chief Executive Officer also manages the allocation of resources to optimize the collection and dissemination of critical information. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the institute remains at the forefront of global statistical standards, ultimately fostering transparency and evidence-based policy formulation on a worldwide scale.

    GholamReza Kazemidinan - President, The Communication Management Club

    GholamReza Kazemidinan, the President, The Communication Management Club at UNESCO, leads initiatives focused on the strategic dissemination of information regarding culture and communication. This role involves fostering dialogue among international experts to refine the standards for reporting on media and cultural trends. GholamReza Kazemidinan directs the development of communication frameworks that enhance the visibility of statistical findings within the global community. By coordinating outreach programs, the President, The Communication Management Club ensures that stakeholders understand the significance of the data provided by the institute. The President, The Communication Management Club also facilitates collaborative projects that bridge the gap between statistical research and public awareness. Through the management of professional networks, the President, The Communication Management Club drives engagement with diverse audiences, ensuring that the organization's insights reach policymakers and researchers effectively. This leadership role supports the broader mission of promoting informed discourse through accurate and accessible information.

    Lawrence Anderson - President

    Lawrence Anderson, the President at UNESCO, oversees the operational execution of specific organizational mandates related to science and technology statistics. This role involves guiding the development of methodologies that ensure data comparability across different national systems. Lawrence Anderson directs the implementation of research programs that track global trends in scientific innovation and technological advancement. By engaging with international partners, the President facilitates the exchange of best practices in statistical collection and analysis. The President also monitors the impact of these statistical outputs on global policy development, ensuring that the data remains relevant to current scientific challenges. Through the management of specialized task forces, the President drives the refinement of indicators used to measure progress in education and science. This leadership position ensures that the organization maintains its commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based insights that support the advancement of knowledge and sustainable development on a global scale.

    Desir Lamarre - President Club Des Jeunes

    Desir Lamarre, the President Club Des Jeunes at UNESCO, leads youth-focused initiatives that promote the importance of statistical literacy and cultural awareness. This role involves organizing programs that encourage younger generations to engage with the data provided by the institute regarding education and communication. Desir Lamarre directs the outreach efforts aimed at integrating youth perspectives into the broader discourse on global development. By fostering partnerships with educational institutions, the President Club Des Jeunes ensures that the organization's statistical resources are utilized to support academic research and learning. The President Club Des Jeunes also manages the coordination of events that highlight the role of culture in sustainable development. Through the promotion of collaborative projects, the President Club Des Jeunes drives the development of future leaders who value evidence-based decision-making. This leadership position supports the organization's mission by cultivating a new generation of informed citizens who understand the power of data.

    Syafiq Sahari - President

    Syafiq Sahari, the President at UNESCO, manages the strategic oversight of regional statistical initiatives focused on education and communication. This role involves coordinating with national statistical offices to ensure the accuracy and consistency of data collection efforts. Syafiq Sahari directs the implementation of capacity-building programs that assist member states in improving their reporting standards. By analyzing regional trends, the President identifies key areas where statistical support can drive policy improvements in education and cultural preservation. The President also facilitates the sharing of knowledge between different regions to promote the adoption of global best practices. Through the management of collaborative research projects, the President drives the development of comprehensive datasets that inform international development strategies. This leadership position ensures that the organization remains responsive to the unique needs of diverse regions, ultimately contributing to the global goal of providing reliable and comparable statistics for all.

    Aelita Kondratova - President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO

    Aelita Kondratova, the President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO at UNESCO, leads the local implementation of international standards regarding dance and cultural communication. This role involves managing the documentation and statistical reporting of cultural activities within the region to ensure alignment with global organizational goals. Aelita Kondratova directs the coordination of artistic and educational projects that promote the value of cultural statistics in policy formulation. By fostering connections between local practitioners and international experts, the President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO facilitates the exchange of knowledge and methodology. The President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO also oversees the collection of data that informs the broader understanding of cultural trends. Through the management of regional outreach, the President of Saint-Petersburgs Section CID - UNESCO drives the integration of local cultural insights into the global statistical framework, ensuring that the organization's mission remains inclusive and representative of diverse cultural expressions.
    Aelita Kondratova

    Taha Moustafa - Chief Information Officer

    Taha Moustafa, the Chief Information Officer at UNESCO, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for managing vast datasets on education, science, and technology. This role involves securing the integrity of the UN depository while facilitating seamless access to cross-nationally comparable statistics. Taha Moustafa directs the modernization of data processing systems to enhance the efficiency of statistical reporting across diverse global regions. By implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive information assets from emerging digital threats. The Chief Information Officer also collaborates with technical teams to integrate innovative analytical tools that improve the accuracy of statistical outputs. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer supports the organization's mission to provide reliable data to international policymakers. This leadership position ensures that the technological foundation remains robust, enabling the continuous flow of vital information to support global research and development initiatives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UNESCO Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UNESCO?
    UNESCO is led by Vimla Devi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as GholamReza Kazemidinan (President, The Communication Management Club) and Lawrence Anderson (President).
    Who is part of UNESCO’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNESCO includes leaders such as Vimla Devi (Chief Executive Officer), GholamReza Kazemidinan (President, The Communication Management Club), Lawrence Anderson (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UNESCO have?
    UNESCO has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UNESCO’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UNESCO includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President, The Communication Management Club, President, President Club Des Jeunes, President.